sidelined

It is over, finally the Australian international cricket season is bloody over. As I sweep up the shattered pieces of my Boony doll and divorce the Beefy doll from its batteries to shut it up, I’ll say again I’ve always reckoned that the one-day series tends to drag on a few games to long. While that may have saved Australia from an embarrassing, all credit to England for turning around a dismal tour and salvaging a stunning victory (albeit helped by some inclement weather last night) in the finals of the Commonwealth Bank one-day series.

With the World Cup less than a month a way, Australia doesn’t seem so dominant. The bowling (apart from Brett Lee) seems out of sorts and the loss of Symonds through a torn bicep is a huge blow. The batting seems to be inconsistent especially at the top of the order with Gilchrist and Hayden falling away at the end of the series. Shane Watson has been rushed back into the squad and while his batting seems to be sound, his bowling is lacking penetration and variety though that could be due to a lack of fitness. It is a worry that Watson is a little underdone but he has the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy to find some form.

As an Aussie supporter, while concerned about the loss, Australia does have the fire power to win the World Cup. However the other teams will be emboldened by the cracks appearing the once seemingly flawless Australian team.